Detroit Red Wings' Damien Brunner, of Switzerland, passes the puck around St. Louis Blues' Andy McDonald, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

2013-02-07 23:14:00

ST. LOUIS - Petr Mrazek showed the composure of a seasoned veteran.

The 20-year-old goalie made 26 saves in his NHL debut, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.

Detroit halted a two-game skid with its second win in three tries against St. Louis this season.

The Blues, who beat Detroit 6-0 on Jan. 19, dropped their third in a row. They have lost three successive games in regulation for the first time since Feb. 27 to March 5, 2011.

St. Louis won six of its first seven games before dropping three in a row. The Blues have lost their last two home games by a combined 11-2.

"When you have players (playing) under the bar, it's tough to win hockey games," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We're cheating all over the ice. Our team game is not good right now."

The struggling Elliott has given up nine goals on 40 shots in his last two games.

"Goals are going to go in. The best goaltenders in the world let in goals," he said. "So you can't be too hard on yourself. We'll figure it out. It's just a matter of time."

NOTES: St. Louis D Wade Redden appeared in his 1,000th NHL game. ... Detroit LW Henrik Zetterberg extended his point streak to seven games with an assist on Brunner's goal. Zetterberg has 12 points in his last seven contests. ... Detroit has scored in the first period in just three of 10 games. ... The teams played three times in the first 10 games and will meet two more times this season. ... St. Louis has scored at least one power-play goal in its last four games. ... Mrazek complied a 16-7-3 record in the minors.